Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social
Foreign correspondent for the Guardian in Taiwan. Via Guardian Australia covering immigration and the Pacific and three wild years as the Northern Territory corro.
https://www.theguardian.com/profile/helen-davidson
helen.davidson@theguardian.com
https://www.theguardian.com/profile/helen-davidson
helen.davidson@theguardian.com
Reposted by Helen Davidson
Over 5500 camp victims added to the archive, and with them over 1500 new faces.
December 28, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Over 5500 camp victims added to the archive, and with them over 1500 new faces.
Reposted by Helen Davidson
China launches live-fire drills encircling Taiwan
China launches live-fire drills encircling Taiwan
Taipei condemns exercise that Chinese army calls ‘a stern warning against “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference forces’
China has launched live-fire military drills around Taiwan, in what it calls a warning to “separatist” forces in Taiwan and “external interference” by foreign parties.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – the military wing of the ruling Communist party in China – said it had sent naval, air force and rocket forces to surround Taiwan on Monday morning. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:03 AM
China launches live-fire drills encircling Taiwan
Reposted by Helen Davidson
“What I care deeply about is building this kind of bridge for veterans to go home.” @heldavidson.bsky.social reports on a Taiwan borough chief who brings the ashes of KMT veterans back to their final resting place in the PRC.
‘Ferryman of the souls’: the man who helps Taiwan’s dead return home to China
Liu De-wen operates at a sensitive space in Taiwan’s history, as Beijing demands reunification with the island
www.theguardian.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:15 PM
“What I care deeply about is building this kind of bridge for veterans to go home.” @heldavidson.bsky.social reports on a Taiwan borough chief who brings the ashes of KMT veterans back to their final resting place in the PRC.
Loved reporting this story, looking at the deeper ties and complications in the history and fallout of the cross-Strait relationship
‘Ferryman of the souls’: the man who helps Taiwan’s dead return home to China
‘Ferryman of the souls’: the man who helps Taiwan’s dead return home to China
Liu De-wen operates at a sensitive space in Taiwan’s history, as Beijing demands reunification with the island
www.theguardian.com
December 28, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Loved reporting this story, looking at the deeper ties and complications in the history and fallout of the cross-Strait relationship
Reposted by Helen Davidson
Good morning, Taiwan
🎞️: Yes! Star 200
🎞️: Yes! Star 200
December 26, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Good morning, Taiwan
🎞️: Yes! Star 200
🎞️: Yes! Star 200
Reposted by Helen Davidson
One month after the deadly fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov 26, survivors are still reeling from the psychological trauma of losing their homes and loved ones while struggling to adapt to life amidst displacement and bereavement. In full: buff.ly/PgBJu1y
HK fire: 1 month on, residents reel from trauma, pondering their future
One month after the deadly fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov 26, survivors are still reeling from the psychological trauma of losing their homes and loved ones while struggling to adapt...
buff.ly
December 26, 2025 at 1:00 AM
One month after the deadly fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov 26, survivors are still reeling from the psychological trauma of losing their homes and loved ones while struggling to adapt to life amidst displacement and bereavement. In full: buff.ly/PgBJu1y
Australia had local council elections and friends were bemoaning that they had no idea about any of the candidates or what they did. It was a lightbulb moment - local newspapers had shut down in the last 5 years. State/national outlets aren't sending reporters to local council meetings.
When I was on CNN's northeast desk, the first job at 6a every morning was to read the local papers. That guided some of what the massive CNN machine followed every day.
When those papers die, CNN doesn't hire new regional reporters. What you get instead is more panel shows, more punditry.
When those papers die, CNN doesn't hire new regional reporters. What you get instead is more panel shows, more punditry.
"The newspaper industry served as a feeder for our entire news media ecosystem. So when we lose those newspapers, we've lost that journalism. In the early 2000s, we had 40 journalists per 100,000 people. We're now down to 8 journalists per 100,000 people," says @victorpickard.bsky.social.
December 26, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Australia had local council elections and friends were bemoaning that they had no idea about any of the candidates or what they did. It was a lightbulb moment - local newspapers had shut down in the last 5 years. State/national outlets aren't sending reporters to local council meetings.
'Since July more than 200 people have already been arrested, including for merely liking social media posts criticising the vote.'
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
‘Not for the people’: Myanmar junta prepares for elections designed to legitimise grip on power
Elections will be first since military seized power in 2021, but analysts say vote is far from a step toward democracy
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 2:05 AM
'Since July more than 200 people have already been arrested, including for merely liking social media posts criticising the vote.'
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Helen Davidson
"In 1977 the baker from Kiama, on the NSW South Coast, was jailed after refusing to pay a fine for the crime of baking fresh bread between the hours of Friday evening and Monday morning." www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
Baker went to jail in 1977 so you can enjoy fresh bread at weekends
Richard Warby still remembers the day his local community piled into a mini-bus bound for Long Bay Jail to pay a fine and release his father, who was locked up for the bizarre crime of baking bread on...
www.abc.net.au
December 24, 2025 at 1:49 AM
"In 1977 the baker from Kiama, on the NSW South Coast, was jailed after refusing to pay a fine for the crime of baking fresh bread between the hours of Friday evening and Monday morning." www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
Reposted by Helen Davidson
US drops plan to deport Chinese national who exposed Xinjiang abuses,
apnews.com/article/chin...
apnews.com/article/chin...
US drops plan to deport Chinese national who exposed Xinjiang abuses, rights activists say
The Department of Homeland Security has dropped its plan to deport a Chinese national who entered the country illegally after his plight raised public concerns that the man, if deported, would be puni...
apnews.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:39 AM
US drops plan to deport Chinese national who exposed Xinjiang abuses,
apnews.com/article/chin...
apnews.com/article/chin...
'Should she return to China to be nearer to her husband, but risk arrest herself? Should she stay in Thailand, a country that has... a history of complying with deportation requests from Beijing? Should she seek refuge elsewhere?' By @amyabides.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
‘Is this real?’: wife of detained pastor describes anguish as China cracks down on unofficial churches
Church leaders and members detained as government tightens controls on underground Christian gatherings
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:38 AM
'Should she return to China to be nearer to her husband, but risk arrest herself? Should she stay in Thailand, a country that has... a history of complying with deportation requests from Beijing? Should she seek refuge elsewhere?' By @amyabides.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Helen Davidson
Taiwan is home to four major language groups.
This map shows which language is most commonly used in everyday conversations in each district, reflecting dominant use, not exclusivity.
This map shows which language is most commonly used in everyday conversations in each district, reflecting dominant use, not exclusivity.
December 22, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Taiwan is home to four major language groups.
This map shows which language is most commonly used in everyday conversations in each district, reflecting dominant use, not exclusivity.
This map shows which language is most commonly used in everyday conversations in each district, reflecting dominant use, not exclusivity.
Great story from @amyabides.bsky.social
Dashed dreams and land grabs: The rise of rural protests in China
Dashed dreams and land grabs: The rise of rural protests in China
Exclusive: Clashes over rural plots are increasing, as people whose big-city plans have evaporated return home to face local governments groaning under huge debt
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Great story from @amyabides.bsky.social
The outcome of Honduras’ 30 November election is yet to be called. But there is a clear winner beyond the Central American nation’s borders: Taiwan.
From Mat Youkee and me.
From Mat Youkee and me.
‘Better off with Taiwan’: Honduras joins other Latin American countries rethinking ties with China
‘Better off with Taiwan’: Honduras joins other Latin American countries rethinking ties with China
US pressure, broken promises by China and corruption scandals have halted Taiwan’s slide to diplomatic irrelevance in the region
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:40 AM
The outcome of Honduras’ 30 November election is yet to be called. But there is a clear winner beyond the Central American nation’s borders: Taiwan.
From Mat Youkee and me.
From Mat Youkee and me.
Reposted by Helen Davidson
"Sky's analysis, based on data from internet registry APNIC, suggests that one in five Starlink users (21%) are accessing the service from countries where the company has no licence to operate – such as Sudan, Myanmar and Iraq."
I've been working with the incredible Data & Forensics team over at Sky News for the last couple months on this analysis of Starlink's activities. Definitely eye-opening, and raises substantial questions over corporate accountability and rule of law:
news.sky.com/story/elon-m...
news.sky.com/story/elon-m...
Elon Musk's race for space
Elon Musk's race for space
news.sky.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:57 PM
"Sky's analysis, based on data from internet registry APNIC, suggests that one in five Starlink users (21%) are accessing the service from countries where the company has no licence to operate – such as Sudan, Myanmar and Iraq."
Reposted by Helen Davidson
Syrian home town of Ahmed al-Ahmed rallies around the Bondi hero, amid the rubble of civil war
Syrian home town of Ahmed al-Ahmed rallies around the Bondi hero, amid the rubble of civil war
In Nayrab, a town near the Syrian city of Idlib, the family of Ahmed al-Ahmed have been overwhelmed by the global response to his act of bravery
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Syrian home town of Ahmed al-Ahmed rallies around the Bondi hero, amid the rubble of civil war
Reposted by Helen Davidson
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December 15, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Protect independent media.💡Join HKFP: hongkongfp.com/members Donations ensure HKFP’s independence, help tackle our deficit, & keep our award-winning reporting paywall-free. Our accounts: hongkongfp.com/transparency
🚨 HK$150+/month members unlock 8 benefits. Support us: hongkongfp.com/members
🚨 HK$150+/month members unlock 8 benefits. Support us: hongkongfp.com/members
“I always had the knowledge that my dad was doing the right thing and not the easy thing”, says Sebastien Lai, whose father Jimmy was convicted of national security charges today.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
December 15, 2025 at 9:35 AM
“I always had the knowledge that my dad was doing the right thing and not the easy thing”, says Sebastien Lai, whose father Jimmy was convicted of national security charges today.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Helen Davidson
The rise and fall of Jimmy Lai, whose trajectory mirrored that of Hong Kong itself
The rise and fall of Jimmy Lai, whose trajectory mirrored that of Hong Kong itself
Progressing from child labourer to billionaire, Lai used his power and wealth to promote democracy, which ultimately pitted him against authorities in Beijing
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:21 AM
The rise and fall of Jimmy Lai, whose trajectory mirrored that of Hong Kong itself
Police and government now addressing media outside court, following national security conviction of Jimmy Lai
December 15, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Police and government now addressing media outside court, following national security conviction of Jimmy Lai
Jimmy Lai found guilty on all charges.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong pro-democracy figure convicted of national security offences
Verdicts on foreign collusion and sedition charges were city’s most closely watched rulings in decades
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Jimmy Lai found guilty on all charges.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Helen Davidson
Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong court finds pro-democracy figure guilty of all charges – live
Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong court finds pro-democracy figure guilty of all charges – live
Incarcerated activist and media owner has been on trial for more than two years on national security charges
*
Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong judges set to rule on national security charges
The three high court judges have entered the courtroom and taken their seats.
The hearing is due to begin and Lai has entered the court, news reports are saying, adding that he waved to his family. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong court finds pro-democracy figure guilty of all charges – live
I’m in Hong Kong for the verdict in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial. Dozens queued outside court overnight. Some passersby noted longrunning allegations that people are paid by pro-Beijing groups to reserve seats that might be taken by supporters. I tried asking but no one would speak.
December 15, 2025 at 12:47 AM
I’m in Hong Kong for the verdict in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial. Dozens queued outside court overnight. Some passersby noted longrunning allegations that people are paid by pro-Beijing groups to reserve seats that might be taken by supporters. I tried asking but no one would speak.
who says state media doesn't have a sense of humour
December 11, 2025 at 1:38 AM
who says state media doesn't have a sense of humour
Reposted by Helen Davidson
“From Beijing’s point of view, there is only one measure that will determine whether Lee will keep his job: will he be able to prevent any protests and snuff out any signs of dissent? By that measure, his performance so far has been faultless.” @antd.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/world/commen...
www.theguardian.com/world/commen...
Silenced by China, Hong Kong struggles to voice its grief over the Tai Po fire disaster | Antony Dapiran
The pain is visceral, but civil society, media and the creative community have been in retreat since the 2019 pro-democracy protests, says author Antony Dapiran
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:44 PM
“From Beijing’s point of view, there is only one measure that will determine whether Lee will keep his job: will he be able to prevent any protests and snuff out any signs of dissent? By that measure, his performance so far has been faultless.” @antd.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/world/commen...
www.theguardian.com/world/commen...